Orthodox Icon of Saint Robert

St. Robert, Abbot of Blois COPYRIGHTED ART. Do not copy or deep-link to without prior permission from "Come and See" Icons, Books & Art.

April 17th
Troparion (Tone 1)
Thou didst appear making the wilderness thy home, an angel in the flesh, a doer of wonders; and by fasts, vigils and prayers thou didst receive heavenly gifts. Therefore, thou dost heal the sick and the souls of those who hasten to thee, O God-mantled Father Robert. Glory to him who hath given thee power; glory to Him who hath crowned thee; glory to Him who through thee accomplished healing for all.

Saint Robert lived in the Orleans area of France in the late 10th century and early 11th century. He lived as a hermit in a cave, giving himself to God in strict asceticism and prayer. He had such wisdom and piety that many went out to him for guidance and prayer. About 300 men and women determined to follow him into the monastic life. They persuaded him to leave his cave and organize a monastery. He did not want to do it, knowing that he could not maintain the kind of discipline in a monastery that he was used to in solitary. He founded several monasteries for men and at least one for women. The monasteries prospered, as St. Robert feared they would. With that prosperity, came a laxness in discipline. On three occasions, he resigned as Abbot and retreated to his cave, only to be pressed into service again in another monastery. It was at the Blois Monastery of Saint Florent that the monks, who had formerly elected him, complained so of his ascetic discipline that they appealed to the founding patron of the house to appoint a different Abbot. He is also known as Saint Robert of Chaise-Dieu (House of God) on the western calendar. The date of his repose is variously reported as 1011 and 1079.

This Icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas.

Order # inp-52